BCGEU convinces ministry to consult over CAPP

'CAPP represents a radical shift in child protection in our province. It's critical that there be a thorough assessment of the program before it goes any further.'

Vancouver (22 Dec. 2010) - B.C.'s ministry of children and family development has offered additional consultation with front-line child protection workers following pressure from the the B.C. Government and General Employees' Union (BCGEU/NUPGE).

The union raised concerns over the new Child and Family Support, Assessment, Planning and Practice (CAPP) program being implemented in five early implementation sites around the province.

Concerns about CAPP were voiced at a meeting of the ministry's Article 29 committee in Victoria last Friday, Dec. 17.

"The assistant deputy minister listened to our concerns and agreed there are issues, challenges and unanswered questions surrounding the roll-out of this new model of service delivery," says Doug Kinna, chair of the BCGEU social, information and health component.

"The ministry's representatives are interested in feedback on this initiative from both the union and front-line workers and have agreed to convene meetings in January to discuss CAPP in detail. The meetings will involve both employer representatives and union members who have first-hand experience with the CAPP implementation work."

Kinna says he is encouraged by the willingness of the ministry to consult with front-line workers.

"CAPP represents a radical shift in child protection in our province. It's critical that there be a thorough assessment of the program before it goes any further," he adds.

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE